Oil and gas in London

‘John Geraghty, Tom Betts and Cathy Gilmartin were a unified team who delivered us a great outcome on the realisation of our investment in a very tight timeline. they were highly engaged, creative in drafting, worked seamlessly with other advisers and across timezeones. All three were outstanding – creative, engaged, diligent, thorough and measured.’

‘When our company was faced with the pandemic and financial markets went into meltdown, we needed a law firm we could rely on to be there for us at short notice, who could adapt quickly and produce complex documentation whilst looking for ways to speed up the negotiation process to complete the deal. Ashurst were very impressive, reacting quickly, helping us to understand points raised by the other side, whilst offering solutions.’

‘Michael Burns is full of ideas and opinions. Knows the industry really well.’

‘Julia Derrick – really considerate as to what clients want.  Great on the detail of any given matter.’

‘Julia Derrick is a great lawyer with a strong eye for the details. She knows all the ins and outs and is able to translate complicated matters in topics easy to grasp. Julia provides excellent advice. Clients love her.’

‘Easy to work with, extremely knowledgeable and very pragmatic.’

‘Strong technical advice coupled with understanding the commercial aspects of a deal is what makes Ashurst stand out in this area. The quality in the partnership is also reflected in the well-trained associates, who are knowledgeable, pro-active and able to solve issues. Together this results in a high quality consistent product without wasting time and costs.’

‘They really know oil & gas, in particular UK upstream M&A, better than anyone. Great attention to detail and a quality product.’

‘A high quality offering with depth and great understanding of the energy sector.’

‘Alex Panayides is outstanding. As good as they come. Excellent lawyer. Highly experienced in litigation/arbitration particularly in this sector. Phenomenal work rate. Very good in dealing with clients with counsel and a tough opponent if you are on the other side.’

‘Graham Phillips was involved in all critical strategic and tactical decisions, and very close during the detailed drafting.’

‘David Lewis is one of the most experienced and seasoned lawyers and I personally value his advice a lot. He is a true transaction counsel and helps drive consensus and solution.’

‘John Wilkins – progressive, knowledgeable and approachable. Excellent understanding of where energy sector crosses into government policy. ‘

‘I would recommend Clifford Chance to anyone for disputes. Top notch lawyers. Very hardworking and on top of the detail. Very commercially astute. Very pleasant to work with.’

‘The team is very high quality and met our requirements. They enabled us to close the largest acquisition we have ever done in just five days. In addition, we completed three strategic transactions with the team in the past six months. The key strength is to break down complex issues to simple points and accordingly assist in developing decision parameters around them. It is one of the highest quality teams in the region.’

‘Deep knowledge of the energy sector and pro-actively work on developing solutions to complex issues raised rather than just providing drafting language.’

‘Charles Wood is very good at asking difficult questions and spotting why something we thought was simple is actually more complex then helping us to think around the issue – or alternatively taking something that we thought was complicated and turning it into a clear easily understandable concept.’

‘The entire Dentons Team has a very good understanding as regards the client’s needs. We apreciated their pragmative approach. They provided great support throughout all stages of the M&A process. We were in particular impressed by their negotiation skills.’

‘Humphrey Douglas: always available, great to work with, impressive Industry Knowledge. Great support during negotiations. Understands the client’s needs and positions and knows how to best implement. Angela Saldanha: Great support during negotiations.’

‘Greg Hammond has provided practical and commercial corporate energy related advice for many years. A senior, well experienced trusted advisor to have on one’s side.’

‘JP Sweny is a quiet but key leader’

‘Latham have some leading energy & natural resources lawyers. They have provide me with top quality M&A advice on structuring and executing some extremely complex transactions. They understand (and advise on) the commercial and value angles as much as the legal angles and are a great team to have on your side in a complex transaction.’

‘Sam Newhouse and Simon Tysoe are undoubtedly two of the leading energy lawyers in London. They are very knowledgeable, they know what is happening in the market and are superb technicians. They are always on top of the detail and provide pragmatic solutions to complex problems.

’Very strong team, which is knowledgeable and has excellent bench strength, including at the associate level.’

‘Simon Tysoe makes the Latham offering stand out. His knowledge, adaptability and can-do attitude are second to none and incredibly important for clients – particularly as part of global energy transition.’

’Tom Bartlett is very responsive, and offers commercial solutions in negotiations.’

‘Exceptional technical and market knowledge and great depth amongst the partners and associates we have used. Able to coordinate instructions and advise coherently and project manage at all levels within our organisation.’

’The team dealing with our matter have been superb. Led by the incomparable Clive Ransome [consultant] and his encyclopaedic knowledge of energy projects and John Dewar, who has detailed knowledge of the regional marketplace and supported by the responsive Suzanne Szczetnikowicz. All were responsive to our challenging requirements of timescale and never compromised on quality.’

‘Deep understanding of key transaction structures in Oil & Gas . James Hardy is articulate, clear, very responsive, attentive to details, protecting the interest of the client and the transaction.’

‘White & Case has been simply outstanding in oil and gas related work for us. They delivered first class advice. They dive into the very deep end and proffer very innovative/bespoke solutions to resolve knotty issues. They anticipate the issues well in advance, almost as if they are in your shoes.’

‘The team I’ve been working with demonstrated very high level of expertise, and good knowledge of the Russian (and other relevant emerging market) market practices and standard terms of the loan documentation. W&C addresses its clients requests in very efficient manner, and demonstrates high managerial skills even during the pandemic period.’

‘ Mark Castillo-Bernaus always provides very pragmatic and practical sollutions. He knows how to find the balance between borrower’s and lenders interests in the most efficient manner.’

‘Very proactive, very knowledgeable, good setup combining different experience of different partners to provide optimal coverage of the issues at hand. Lawyers are proactive, driving process and engaging. Have great knowledge of precedent deals, rhetorically strong, able to explain issues and stand firm on critical points.’

‘Mukund Dhar is brilliant at what he does. He has a great personality that makes the most complex matters seem easy to comprehend.’

‘Allan Taylor has deep experience on working on transactions in the oil & gas sector in Kazakhstan. Excellent knowledge of the industry and geography. Jason Kerr – excellent attorney and very strong in managing transactions and client relationships.’

‘Philip Stopford is very diligent, available, open and straight-forward in communicating on key issues/development, which has been very helpful.’

‘Justin Williams is a standout energy lawyer and terrific leader ‘

‘Extremely commercial and extraordinarily responsive’

‘Know the oil and gas sector incredibly well.’

‘Breadth of experience and good quality associates. Critically, partners are hands on, so the work product is always reliable.’

‘Ben James is sharp, commercial, focused, robust and a safe pair of hands. He knows the upstream sector very well.’

’The team at Clydes is first class. They have a complete mastery of the detail of their cases, manage their clients incredibly well and are excellent at presenting their cases to arbitrators (both orally and in writing).’

‘Strong commercial and legal skills. Very flexible approach and speak the same language as their clients. Willing to adapt and always meets deadlines, even if these are short.’

‘Lucy Frith has been an excellent support. She has very quickly got up to speed on very technical matters and got to grips with lengthy, complex contracts with ease. She speaks the same language as our in-house teams and we had no concerns putting her in direct contact with the technical team to understand the matters in hand. The quality of the work she provides is excellent and we would highly recommend her.’

’Good level of partner engagement and responsiveness. Nacim Bounouara is commercial and works in a constructive way to achieve the best outcome for the project. Felix Ndi-Obiosa is responsive and committed in his approach to getting the deal done.’

‘The Rolls-Royce of city litigation practices – they can staff any case with the best lawyers at the appropriate level, can handle any dispute and have expertise around the world. They readily bring these skills into focus in the oil and gas sector.’

‘ James Carter – very cerebral and good tactical acumen. Charles Allin – capable of running a case like a partner. Great inter-personal skills, huge litigation experience and a natural litigator.’

‘Unique capabilities in dealing with cases that involve complex economic issues. They are also excellent on Russia connected disputes.’

‘Philip Chong and Christina Lawrence are exceptional. They have a deep understanding of energy disputes and a strong commitment to their clients’.

’The lawyers at the firm are approachable and responsive. Generally, the firm is very good at simplifying complex transactions and omitting unnecessary legalese, without compromising quality or creating legal risk. Their approach is solution orientated and business-like, which makes it easy to work with them as a corporate counsel.’

‘Felix Ndi-Obiosa has helped in ensuring a seamless conclusion of the transactions we have worked on together. He is an excellent lawyer who is solution driven and commercially-focused.’

‘DLA have a strong, committed, hard-working team – prepared to put in the extra effort required to ensure that the largest cases and presented effectively. Philip Chong is one of the leading oil and gas lawyers in the market – widely known for his breadth of experience and safe pair of hands. James Carter is sparky and effective.’

‘Paul Stockley has many years’ experience advising in this sector, bringing former in-house counsel experience to bear, resulting in a good level of understanding of client’s needs.’

‘Paul Stockley is responsive, considered and technically good.’

‘The disputes team offers in-depth knowledge of the markets, excellent strategic thinking, and truly international coverage – essential where many of the disputes are arbitrated in London under LCIA rules but are for clients around the globe .’

‘ Kieron O’Callaghan has a detailed appreciation of the markets and a keen sense of the needs of the client. ‘

‘ Ben Hornan, an up and coming partner who works extremely well in partnership with Kieron’

‘I would like to commend the consultancy provided by Ben Sulaiman and members of his team’

‘Great crossborder strength and a very strong client base in Russia and Eastern Europe. The firm is particularly strong in international arbitration disputes, with considerable expertise across all major institutional arbitral rules.’

‘Kieron O’Callaghan and Ben Hornan are standout partners in the dispute resolution department, especially as regards international arbitration disputes. They are savvy and commercially-minded litigators who never lose sight of the need to find the best ways of achieving clients’ objectives.’

‘Amy Cleaves has an excellent reputation within our business. Our partners will request her for every transaction, because we know she’s diligent, fast, understands the problems she’s dealing with, and kind. I have recommended her a number of times and will continue to do so.’

‘I have been working with Norton Rose Fulbright for about 10 years now, and it’s been a really good experience. The teams are organized by lawyers with excellent training and are knowledgeable across a wide range of matters.’

’Madhavi Gosavi is very committed to delivering and work very closely with the client, understanding theirs needs and challenges, such as financing and strategy.’

‘Mark Beeley is our go-to litigator. Very responsive and understands our business very well.’

‘Mark Beeley and the team have a good understanding of energy and natural resources. Also, considering they were working for a client (and with lawyers) in a different jurisdiction, they ensured that the objectives of the client were met and had a prompt turnaround time in preparing and updating documentation. The Orrick team was also readily available for strategy sessions at all times, despite the time difference, and provided strategic input at such discussions.’

‘Very pleased with the service received from the Orrick team.’

‘In comparison to other lawyers we have dealt with in the UK, we find that the lawyers at Orrick have a sound understanding of the energy and natural resources practice area. They are efficient, client-responsive with their work and always provide strategic input to meet the client’s objectives.’

‘Shearman & Sterling is an exceptional law firm. We very much appreciate working with them and can highly recommend their services. The legal advisors are highly committed, knowledgeable, creative, solution-driven – just what you need to close a deal.’

’Highly efficient and  professional team, tailor-made, “lean” project team.’

‘Iain Elder – professional with a business mindset.’

‘Hywel Davies provides more than just high quality legal advice but provides a wider counsel on how legal matters fit into specific issues or the broader business environment.’

‘The team really takes the time to understand their clients, investing in secondments, taking care to ensure we know the lawyers who are working for us, and showing a genuine interest in our business including in between transactions. As a client, I am made to feel like I am a priority, even though other clients must bring far higher fees to the firm.’

‘Hywel Davies’ industry knowledge is vast, and it is immensely reassuring to have his presence on any call.’

‘The partners and associates know how our company works, our value, culture and risk appetite. Therefore, when they provide their legal assessment, they take that into consideration. They are always available to support.’

‘In comparison with other firms, the team cares about the client’s interests more than making money out of them.’

‘Nabil Khodadad provides well-thought-out and qualified consultation on many aspects of a given transaction.’

‘Alistair Wishart does outstanding work in tackling complex issues and providing helpful solutions. Other team members also provide helpful input during review of documents and stand out with their strong discipline.’

‘Andrew Nealon is highly professional and qualified, with a good sense of humour which can take the heat off and help to stay calm in any situation. It is always a pleasure to work with him.’

‘Vinson is a very specialised law firm in energy issues with partners and associates who are very business oriented and with high energy skills.’

‘The team has unique experience in consulting and drafting agreements in the field of oil and gas in Central Asian region. This experience makes the team indispensable in reaching financial close and negotiating investment agreements, EPC contracts, and asset sale and purchase agreements that involve state enterprises and foreign investors. The team invests much effort and time to care for the needs of the client. If required, they can produce high quality documentation in a very short period of time.’

‘Team is very capable and also keeps in mind the context and bigger picture and knows when to be pragmatic, when to solve/de-escalate an issue between legal counsels, and when this is a commercial point to be dealt with between clients. ‘

‘They are good technically but what really differentiates them is that they are really good project managers, good at liaising between different parties’

‘Joe Levin is really available, and has a very positive and cheerful attitude which is very pleasant and motivating. He has a real sense of the commercial relationships at stake, and is really focused on making sure we get to the finish line.’

‘Deep understanding of the Oil and gas sector especially with respect to financing. Work very closely with their clients and feel part of the team.’

‘Heike Trischmann is readily accessible, very polite, and affable. She really thinks things through. Her experience in multiple jurisdictions makes her a shrewd lawyer and allows her to identify multiple risks that parties may not be considering.’

‘There are few legal practices that can claim to have a similar level of experience and expertise in oil and gas’

‘Alexander has managed to understand our business, the strategy and priorities. He tailors his advice accordingly. I also feel that tasks are allocated so as to balance cost with competencies.’

‘Friendly approach. Concise advice. Timely responses. They now when to push for instruction on urgent matters so as to maintain timelines.’

‘Experience, practicality and ability to meet timelines.’

‘Availability, responsiveness, sector knowledge.’

‘Alexander Keepin has an excellent understanding of the public market requirements for small-mid cap oil & gas companies. In particular, he understands dual-listed businesses and their needs.’

‘Very strong team specialising in offshore drilling contracts and shipbuilding contracts. Good innovative ideas from the partners in looking after our company’s legal rights.’

‘We always get the feeling the lawyers genuinely care and being able to reach them anytime is always good. Glenn Kangisser is a fantastic lead for the company.‘

‘The firm specialises in offshore oil and gas more than any other firm in the UK. The solicitors are experts in their field, pleasant to deal with and go the extra mile.’

‘I have an excellent impression of the firm. Their office and people are welcoming.’

‘They are simply excellent – enthusiastic, very focussed, extremely experienced, great to be instructed by and very client friendly.’

‘Approachable and attentive to their clients’ demands.’

‘We have worked with the team for some years and their knowledge of our business – along with our strengths and weaknesses – mean that they are able to take control of the agenda and prepare before we even know that something has to be done – you will not get that anywhere else.’

‘Paul Tetlow is a very commercial partner, who gets very involved in all aspects of a transaction or ongoing advice.’

‘Calibre of the team, sector knowledge and experience, level of responsiveness, flexibility on fee arrangements, use of technology.‘

‘Jeremy Farr is best in class – a wealth of experience, technical legal knowledge combined with a strong commercial understanding. An absolute pleasure to work with.’

‘This team delivers first class legal advice in a client-oriented manner. The team is able to think through the critical legal issues whilst recognising the underlying commercial drivers.’

’An excellent team which is always willing to make that extra effort to ensure client satisfaction. Sajid Ahmed is an excellent lawyer with good business acumen and understands client’s perspective and overall business context and comes out with pragmatic solutions.’

‘Market-leading practice, containing real experts. Proven track record, well-positioned to advise on cross-border projects. Strong presence in a number of countries. Provides very timely and excellent advice and is willing to go the extra mile.’

‘Bob Palmer – he really stands out. He is responsive, extremely knowledgeable and pleasant to work with. Very capable and experienced. He also offers high quality strategic advice to boardrooms.’

‘They have been very responsive and effective with their work. Sometimes, when we refer them to our clients who need English law assistance, their rates are end up being too high but that is not a service issue. We find them to be very reliable and cooperative.’

‘My primary contact was Rob Hamill. He is brilliant; shrewd, direct, experienced. I would feel comfortable going to him with any new projects.’

‘Expertise, diversity and detailed billing. Wide experience in the energy sector and long professional relationship with Mr Martin Stewart-Smith (Partner) in dealing with legal matters of our company.’

‘Commercially minded and extremely user-friendly. They take time to understand what what is important.’

‘Angus Rollo is an exceptional partner. Responsive, with exceptional command of the detail and a real force in negotiations.’

‘Marc is unique in his elaborate experience in the oil and gas market and specifically decommissioning matters. Marc has a wealth of knowledge, is very pleasant to exchange thoughts with, and advises in a clear and to-the-point way. He is also extremely helpful in finding out-of-the-box solutions.’

‘Marc Hammerson at Curtis. He has proved to be an excellent adviser and negotiator on a complex oil and gas farm in opportunity. Knowledgeable and calm.’

‘Great international reach, well versed in African E & P. Tony Edwards is detail-oriented, focused and methodical. Marc Hammerson is inspirational.’

‘Timi Balogun has been impressively analytical and presents otherwise complex legal issues in a simple and concise manner.’

‘They have an excellent ability to jump into complex project matters, including help with structuring and financing aspects. Practical advice pitched at the right level and complexity, and strong ability to interact with commercial stakeholders.’

‘The main strength is the team’s depth of experience across all aspects of this sector. There is virtually no project that they will not have encountered before, and will be aware of the legal and commercial issues that need to considered.

‘Excellent industry knowledge specific to oil and gas and offshore shipping.’

‘Industry knowledge, availability, can-do attitude.’

‘Alistair Mackie is the key partner. He is very knowledgeable and flexible, giving very actionable guidance on all aspects of complex projects involving maritime assets.’

‘Across the team they are knowledgeable and responsive. Advice is always sensible and measured, and delivered in a way which is easy to understand. Alastair Mackie and Laura MacLean have particularly impressed.’

‘Paul Dean is very nice to work with and is sensible.’

‘The team is responsive, experienced and good value.’

‘Stuart Carter: Has a good blend of in-house and private practice experience in the energy sector. He is knowledgeable, practical and a pleasure to work with.’

‘The Memery Crystal oil and gas team is fantastic. They provide good support and state of the art service. for us they are number one in oil and gas in London. Everyone in the team is great, top professionals and very sharp solicitors.’

‘Knowledgeable, very commercial, easy to work with.’

‘Superb in response time and the quality of work. Their market knowledge is so extensive that we are always one step ahead.’

‘Ayesha Waheed is outstanding.‘

‘Our primary lawyer at the firm is Jayson Marks, with whom we have worked for many years. He is very knowledgeable, commercial, responsive and easy to work with.’

‘Excellent client relationships, a diverse workforce, knowledgeable in African legal issues, flexibility in fees during the pandemic.’

‘They are all knowledgeable in the relevant transaction being worked on, responsive to our issues and we are very pleased with their experience and work product.’

‘They have a number of partners who are very experienced in offshore oil and gas construction and production. They are wise enough to acknowledge they don’t do everything and are a dependable firm that wants to develop long-term relationships, without milking cases.’

‘Jon Goldfarb is a warm, principled person, with whom one can enjoy working even under stressful conditions. He takes an holistic approach to a client’s issues, and ensures that a proper balance is struck between defending one’s interests, and reaching a timely and efficient conclusion to a matter.’

’Renaud and his team at Wikborg Rein are the go-to lawyers in the offshore energy M&A and related commercial transactions. Their effective advocacy and attention to to detail are key strengths.’

‘Renaud Barbier-Emery is a tremendous asset to Wikborg Rein.’